Segmented Cooling Elements for LED Retrofit Lamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofit LED lamps for exterior and street lighting often exceed the dimensions of mercury vapour high-pressure lamps, leading to restricted usability due to oversized cooling elements and altered radiation behavior, which does not meet the light distribution requirements of existing luminaires.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture design featuring two cooling elements with a central and wall portion, arranged oppositely to facilitate access and heat dissipation, using heat-conducting plastic and flexible circuit boards to match the shape of the luminaire, allowing efficient heat removal and emission characteristics similar to the replaced lamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single large cooling element is used in retrofit LED lamps, then heat dissipation capacity is improved, but the lamp dimensions exceed the available space in existing luminaires
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is divided into multiple segments (first cooling element and second cooling element) that can be assembled together. Each segment contains cooling channels and can be manufactured separately, then joined to form the complete cooling structure. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and reduced individual component size while maintaining overall heat dissipation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are nested within the cooling element structure itself, with channels positioned inside the body of the cooling element. This nested arrangement allows the cooling function to be integrated within the compact lamp housing without requiring additional external space for separate cooling components.
2Temperature
If aluminium profiles are used for cooling elements, then heat conduction is improved, but the lamp becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is made from composite materials that provide adequate heat conduction properties. The patent specifies that the cooling element can be made from plastic or metal materials, allowing selection based on the balance between heat conduction requirements and weight constraints. This composite approach enables optimization of both thermal performance and weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling element size is reduced to fit existing luminaires, then adaptability is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled together to achieve the required heat dissipation capacity within compact dimensions. The segmented design allows for optimized heat transfer surfaces and cooling channels to be distributed across multiple smaller components that collectively provide adequate cooling while fitting within existing luminaire spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling element features locally optimized cooling channels and heat transfer structures positioned at specific locations within the lamp. The patent describes cooling channels positioned to maximize heat transfer from LED mounting areas, with varying channel configurations in different regions of the cooling element to address local heat generation patterns, thereby maintaining high heat dissipation efficiency in a compact form.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enables a compact retrofit LED lamp that fits existing fixtures, maintains similar light distribution to the replaced lamps, and improves heat management, ensuring efficient operation and compliance with light distribution standards.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling element is made from plastic or metal materials and corresponds substantially in shape to the outer shape of the light fixture, in particular in the region of the vanes
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of which is open to the environment for exchange of air with the environment, in particular in the region of the vanes
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture comprises two cooling elements and a plurality of semiconductor lighting elements, wherein each cooling element has a central portion and a wall portion which extends away from the central portion and at least partially surrounds an interior of a cooling element. The two cooling elements are arranged opposite one another. An annular opening for exchange of air with the environment is present between the two cooling elements. The semiconductor lighting elements are arranged on the outside of the wall portion of the cooling elements. A corresponding cooling element has two or more vanes, wherein all vanes are connected to one another by means of a central connecting element. Each vane extends in an axial direction and in a circumferential direction and has a curvature in the axial direction and preferably a curvature in the circumferential direction.